about | Elif Sidar Ökdemir

contact

architect, researcher

1993, İstanbul

short bio

I’m an architect and urban policy researcher who seeks to understand the city by looking closely at its everyday rhythms and dynamics. My work centers on public spaces, spatial justice, and civic participation, bridging research, design, and policy-making through an interdisciplinary approach.
Currently, I contribute to upper-scale planning processes at the Istanbul Planning Agency, focusing on housing planning, the right to housing, and urban transformation within the scope of Istanbul Plan 2050. Concurrently, I serve as the Editorial Coordinator of IPA Istanbul Magazine, a journal devoted to urban research and critical thought, where I work to foster a pluralistic and reflective platform for dialogue on Istanbul and urban studies.
In the civil sphere, I am a co-founder of Lokal: Research and Design Studio, a collective developing spatial approaches centered on public benefit and co-existence, with the aim of contributing to more inclusive, participatory, and just urban futures

professional profile

› Urban Policy Expert at Istanbul Planning Agency, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, (2020 – ongoing)
› Editorial Coordinator of İPA İstanbul Magazine (2020 – ongoing)
› Co-Founder of Lokal:Araştırma ve Tasarım İşliği (2020 – ongoing)
› Editor of XXI Architecture and Design Magazine (2018 – 2019)
› Assistant Lecturer in Urban Social Movements, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, School of Architecture, Department of Urban and Regional Planning (2018 – 2019)
› Designer at ItsMee Mobile App (2017 – 2018)

education

› MSc. Urban Design, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, School of Architecture, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Istanbul, 2018

Thesis: Temporary, Variable Public Spaces Which are Established by Everyday Intrusive Actions: District Markets.

› BSc. Architecture, Istanbul Kemerburgaz University, School of Architecture, Istanbul, 2016

publications

Ceylan, H., Erbil, T., Ercan, F., Hatipoğlu, İ., İngin, B., Koçak, M. H., Ökdemir, E. S., Öngel, F. S., Yalçıntan, M. C., & Yıldırım, A. H. A. (2025). Beykoz’da sanayi ve emek coğrafyasının dönüşümü: Mekân, emek ve zamanın dinamik etkileşimi [Transformation of Industrial and Labour Geography in Beykoz: Dynamic Interactions of Space, Labour and Time]. Mimar.ist, 25(83), 59–72. https://doi.org/10.14744/mrst.2025.09609
Ökdemir, E. S. (2024). Tanımlardan uygulamaya Türkiye'de sosyal konuta bakış (Özgür Bingöl ile söyleşi) [A Perspective on Social Housing in Turkey: From Definitions to Practice (Interview with Özgür Bingöl)]. İPA İstanbul Dergisi, (011)
Yorgancı, M., & Ökdemir, E. S. (2024). Özgürleşen İstanbul: Yeni bir kentsel demokrasiye doğru [Istanbul’s Path to Emancipation: Toward a New Urban Democracy]. İstanbul Planlama Ajansı
İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Istanbul Planning Agency. (2024). Vizyon 2050 Eylem Planı [Report]. Istanbul Planning Agency Available at: https://vizyon2050.istanbul/upload/content/VIZYON_EYLEM_PLANI_web_yeni_2025522_1545460.pdf (Contribution: Istanbul Vision 2050 Action Plan Team – Elif Sidar Ökdemir)
Ökdemir, E. S., & Gasseloğlu, M. A. (2022). Mimarlığın yan yolları: Kolektif yaparak öğrenme süreçleri [The Side Paths of Architecture: Learning Through Collective Making]. Arredamento Mimarlık, (11–12), 74–76
Ökdemir, E. S. (2022). 2022 Pritzker ödülü kazananı Diébédo Francis Kéré: Yerelde, yerelle birlikte inşa etmek [2022 Pritzker Prize Winner Diébédo Francis Kéré: Building Locally, Together with the Local Community]. Mimarlık Dergisi, 425(May–Jun), 68–70 Available at: http://www.mimarlikdergisi.com/index.cfm?sayfa=mimarlik&DergiSayi=440&RecID=5613
Ökdemir, E. S. (2022). “Kent en büyük teknolojik gerçekliktir” (Uğur Tanyeli ile söyleşi) [“The City Is the Greatest Technological Reality” (Interview with Uğur Tanyeli)]. İPA İstanbul Dergisi, (005)
Ökdemir, E. S., & Kaya, B. (2022). Katılımcı ve yenilikçi yönetim: İhtiyaçlara cevap veren ve birleştirici kamusal mekanlar için katılımcı tasarım [Participatory and Innovative Management: Participatory Design for Responsive and Integrative Public Spaces]. İstanbul Planlama Ajansı
Ökdemir, E. S. (2021). Evden öteye: Kamusallaşan ev mekânından evcilleşen kamusal alana [Beyond the Home: From the Publicizing of Domestic Space to the Domesticated Public Realm]. İPA İstanbul Dergisi, 003, 6–9
Ökdemir, E. S. (2021). Birlikte, daha güçlü: “Geceleri de, meydanları da, sokakları da terk etmiyoruz.” [Stronger Together: “We Don’t Abandon Nights, Squares, or Streets”]. İPA İstanbul Dergisi, 002, 48–53
Erbil, T., Yalçıntan, M. C., Öngel, S., İngin, B., Ökdemir, E. S., Ceylan, H., Yıldırım Ak, A. H., & Hatipoğlu, İ. (2021). Beykoz gecekondu mahallelerinde sanayi ve emek coğrafyasının dönüşümü (Bilimsel Araştırma Projesi Sonuç Raporu No. 2019-24) [Transformation of Industry and Labor Geography in Beykoz Squatter Neighborhoods (Scientific Research Project Final Report No. 2019-24)]. Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Scientific Research Projects Coordination Office
Ökdemir, E. S., & Keleş, Ş. Z. (2021). “Sığabildiğim Bir Dünya”: Kadına yönelik erkek şiddetiyle mücadelede özneler, kurumlar ve yerel çözümler [“A World I Can Fit In”: Actors, Institutions, and Local Solutions in Combating Violence Against Women]. İstanbul Planlama Ajansı
Ökdemir, E. S. (2020). Pandemide, pandemiye rağmen bir arada olmak: Mekânda ama nasıl? [Being Together During the Pandemic, Despite the Pandemic: In Space, but How?]. XXI Mimarlık, Tasarım ve Mekân Dergisi Available at: https://xxi.com.tr/gorus/yazi/pandemide-pandemiye-ragmen
Ökdemir, E. S., Gasseloğlu, M. A., Utku, K., Yıldırım, M., & Hamzaoğlu-Zafer, B. (2020). Sosyal medyada mekânın izinde: Mekânsız mekân arşivi [Tracing Space on Social Media: Archive of Non-Places]. Mimarist, 68(2), 21–28
Yalçıntan, M. C., Gecikmez, E., İngin, B., Ökdemir, E. S., & Bahçekapılı, Y. (2019). İstanbul’da yeni kentsel toplumsal hareketler (Bilimsel Araştırma Projesi Sonuç Raporu No. 2018-32) [New Urban Social Movements in Istanbul (Scientific Research Project Final Report No. 2018-32)]. Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Scientific Research Projects Coordination Office
Ökdemir, E. S. (2018). Bilmemeye yolculuk (Ali Vatansever ile söyleşi) [Journey into Not Knowing (Interview with Ali Vatansever)]. XXI Mimarlık, Tasarım ve Mekân Dergisi Available at: https://www.xxi.com.tr/gorus/soylesi/bilmemeye-yolculuk
Ökdemir, E. S., & Erol, A. (2017). Heterotopia – İstanbul as a Palimpsest City and Endless City: Layers of Design [Aurum Design Notes, pp.105–106]. Altınbaş Foundation | İstanbul Kemerburgaz University, İstanbul
Ökdemir, E. S., & Utku, K. (2017). Inception – Yassıada Nature Observatory Project [Aurum Design Notes, pp.107–109]. Altınbaş Foundation, İstanbul Kemerburgaz University, İstanbul
Ökdemir, E. S., & Utku, K. (2016). Kentsel Metraj Tasarım Stüdyosu [Projection Cities, X. İstanbul Uluslararası Mimarlık ve Kent Filmleri Festival Kitabı, p.58]. TMMOB Mimarlar Odası, İstanbul

conference papers

Şengül, H. T., Kesim, E., Ozar, Y., Ökdemir, E. S., & Özgen, İ. (2025, July 7–11). Positioning Istanbul in the era of multiple crises – Vision 2050 action plan: From vulnerability to resilience [Conference presentation]. The 37th AESOP Annual Congress 2025, Istanbul, Türkiye.
Gasseloğlu, M. A., Ökdemir, E. S., & Ünlü, E. (2025, July 7–11). Utilizing assembly areas as catalysts for building resilient communities [Conference presentation]. The 37th AESOP Annual Congress 2025, Istanbul, Türkiye.
Ceylan, H., Erbil, T., Ercan, F., Hatipoğlu, İ., İngin, B., Koçak, H., Ökdemir, E. S., Öngel, S., Yalçıntan, M. C. ve Yıldırım-Ak, A. H. (2020, 10–12 Eylül). Sanayisizleşme sürecinde fabrika kapanmaları ardından Paşabahçe işçi havzasının sosyo-mekânsal dönüşümü [Sözlü bildiri, kolektif çalışma]. KBAM (Kentsel ve Bölgesel Araştırmalar Ağı) 7. Sempozyumu - Türkiye Kentleri ve Bölgeleri 2020, Çevrimiçi toplantı.
Ökdemir, E. S., İngin, B., & Yalçıntan, M. C. (2018, May 31–June 3). Urban social movements in İstanbul [Conference presentation]. Urban struggles in Mediterranean cities: The right to the city and the common space international unconference, School of Architecture, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Ökdemir, E.S., (2013), “Revitalization of the Seafront Strip Around Old Galata Bridge in İstanbul”, 2nd Biennial of Architectural and Urban Restoration, İstanbul

research projects

Kamu Yönetiminde Mali Hesap Verilebilirlik için Vatandaş Bütçesi [Citizen Budget for Financial Accountability in Public Administration]. İstanbul Planlama Ajansı (2022) [Researcher: Elif Sidar Ökdemir]
Salgında Kent Yoksulluğu: İstanbul’da Yoksulluk Profilleri [Urban Poverty during the Pandemic: Poverty Profiles in Istanbul]. İstanbul Planlama Ajansı (2021) [Researcher: Elif Sidar Ökdemir]
Planlama Sistematiği, İmar Mevzuatları ve Uygulamaları: Berlin, Londra, Amsterdam Örnekleri [Planning Systems, Zoning Legislation, and Practices: Cases from Berlin, London, Amsterdam]. İstanbul Planlama Ajansı (2021) [Researcher: Elif Sidar Ökdemir]
Geleceğin Şehirleri: Dünya Metropollerinin Gelecek Vizyonları ve Planlama Yaklaşımları [Cities of the Future: Future Visions and Planning Approaches of World Metropolises]. İstanbul Planlama Ajansı (2021) [Researcher: Elif Sidar Ökdemir]
“Sığabildiğim Bir Dünya”: Kadına Yönelik Erkek Şiddetiyle Mücadelede Özneler, Kurumlar ve Yerel Çözümler [“A World I Can Fit In”: Actors, Institutions, and Local Solutions in Combating Violence Against Women]. İstanbul Planlama Ajansı (2021) [Researcher: Elif Sidar Ökdemir]
“Yeni Normal” Süreci Raporu: Öngörüler, Politikalar ve Öneriler Rehberi [“New Normal” Process Report: Forecasts, Policies, and Recommendations Guide]. İstanbul Planlama Ajansı (2020) [Researcher: Elif Sidar Ökdemir]
İstanbul’da Yeni Kentsel Toplumsal Hareketler [New Urban Social Movements in Istanbul]. Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Scientific Research Projects Coordination Office (2018) [Researcher: Elif Sidar Ökdemir]
Sosyomekansal Tarihi ve Güncel Toplumsal Dinamikleri ile Bozcaada [Bozcaada with Its Sociospatial History and Contemporary Social Dynamics]. Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Scientific Research Projects Coordination Office (2018) [Field Researcher: Elif Sidar Ökdemir]
Beykoz ve Sarıyer Gecekondu Mahallelerinde Sanayi ve Emek Coğrafyasının Dönüşümü [Transformation of Industrial and Labor Geography in Beykoz and Sarıyer Squatter Neighborhoods]. Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Scientific Research Projects Coordination Office (2017) [Researcher: Elif Sidar Ökdemir]
Mekansal Deneyim Olarak Gecekondu: Kazım Karabekir Paşa Mahallesi Örneği [Squatter Neighborhood as Spatial Experience: The Case of Kazım Karabekir Paşa Neighborhood]. Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Scientific Research Projects Coordination Office (2017) [Researcher: Elif Sidar Ökdemir]
Bellek Sürekliliği Bağlamında Ayvalık Liman Kentinde Kentsel Doku Örüntüleri [Urban Fabric Patterns in Ayvalık Port Town in the Context of Memory Continuity]. Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Scientific Research Projects Coordination Office (2017) [Field Researcher: Elif Sidar Ökdemir]

editorial experiences

Editorial Coordinator, İPA Istanbul: Journal of Urban Research and Thought, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (2020, Issue 1–Present)
Güvencesizlik, Yeni Eşitsizlikler ve Çözüm Yolları Konferansı Konferans Özet Kitabı [Insecurity, New Inequalities, and Pathways to Solutions: Conference Abstract Book]. Istanbul Planning Agency (2021)
Geleceği Tasarlamak: Disiplinler Arası Bir Öğrenme Deneyimi Atölye Serisi Proje Katalogu [Designing the Future: Interdisciplinary Learning Experience Workshop Series Project Catalog]. Istanbul Planning Agency (2021)
Editor, XXI Architecture and Design Magazine, Issues 173–178

invited talks + panels

Ökdemir, E. S., & Yorgancı, M. (2023). Kriz Zamanlarında Toplumsal Dayanıklılık ve Katılım [Social Resilience and Participation in Times of Crisis]. Helsinki Citizenship Association Resilience and Participation Fall School, Çanakkale, Turkey.
Ökdemir, E. S. (2021, November 5). Gündeliğin zamanda kurduğu geçici mekânlar: Semt pazarları [Temporary Spaces Created by Everyday Life in Time: Neighborhood Markets] [Video]. Mekan ve İnsan Programı, Medyascope. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTTCDpcidAU
Ökdemir, E. S. (2021, February 12). Pandemide bir arada olmak: Politik eylemlilik, dayanışma ve mekânsal temsilleri [Being Together During the Pandemic: Political Action, Solidarity, and Spatial Representations] [Video]. Mekan ve İnsan Programı, Medyascope. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EszXqMxluFw
Cankat, A., Ökdemir, E. S., & Başkazancı, C. (2021, December 3). Mekâna adil ve eşitlikçi yaklaşım: Görmek, çizmek, görünür kılmak [A Just and Equitable Approach to Space: Seeing, Drawing, Making Visible] [Panel]. Mekân Sanat Kültür Talks, Mimarlık Vakfı. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR5HmgHVLFM
Ökdemir, E. S., Tülek, M., & Kırlangıç, Ö. (2020, December 16). Salgında adalet ve dünyada yerel yönetimler [Justice During the Pandemic and Local Governments Worldwide] [Panel]. Academy Meetings, Mekanda Adalet Association. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgzEvet1kmM
Ökdemir, E. S., İngin, B., Bahçekapılı, Y., & Gecikmez, E. (2019). Kentsel Muhalefetin Ortaklaştırdığı Dayanışma Aktarım ve Gündelik Hayat [Solidarity and Everyday Life Enabled by Urban Opposition]. Istanbul Architecture and Urban Research Academy – AURA Istanbul.
Ökdemir, E. S., Ökdemir, E. S., İngin, B., Bahçekapılı, Y., & Gecikmez, E. (2019). Çoğulcu Kentsel Siyasete Doğru: İstanbul’da Yeni Kentsel Toplumsal Hareketler [Towards Plural Urban Politics: New Urban Social Movements in Istanbul]. Chamber of Architects of Turkey Istanbul Metropolitan Branch.
Bilgin, İ., Korkmaz, T., Sayın, N., Uluğ, M., Özgen Kösten, E. Y., Duygun, G., Çinçin, S. K., Çalkıcı, C., Tuna, T., Doyduk, S., Uslu, İ., Demirtaş, E., & Ökdemir, E. S. (2019). Mimarlık eğitiminde alternatif yaklaşımlar paneli [Panel on Alternative Approaches in Architecture Education] [Panel Talk]. Istanbul Architecture and Urban Research Academy – AURA Istanbul.
Ökdemir, E. S., İngin, B., & Yalçıntan, M. C. (2018). Urban Social Movements in Istanbul. Urban Struggles in Mediterranean Cities: The Right to the City and the Common Space International UnConference, Athens, Greece.
Ökdemir, E. S. (2013). Revitalization of the Seafront Strip Around Old Galata Bridge in Istanbul. 2nd Biennial of Architectural and Urban Restoration, Istanbul, Turkey.

program curation, design + facilitation

Program Committee Member. (2025, December 4–7). Berkol Science Fiction Days. Özgen Berkol Doğan Science Fiction Library.
Program Committee Member. (2024, December 5–8). Berkol Science Fiction Days. Özgen Berkol Doğan Science Fiction Library.
Facilitator. (2024, January–June). Community-Centered Resilient Spaces Project. Bakırköy Millet Gezi Park. Supported by the EU Civil Society Program. İstanbul. With Lokal: Research and Design Workshop.
Program Committee Member. (2023, December 2–4). Berkol Science Fiction Days. Özgen Berkol Doğan Science Fiction Library.
Facilitator. (2022, September–October). Working Together Initiative: Bayrampaşa Ayancık Park Transformation Project. Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. İstanbul. With Lokal: Research and Design Workshop.
Facilitator. (2022, November 7–December 3). IPA Course – Cultural Heritage Certificate Program. Istanbul Planning Agency. İstanbul.
Program Committee Member. (2022, July 5–6). Istanbul Vision 2050 Strategy Presentation & IPA Campus Opening. Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality; Istanbul Planning Agency. İstanbul.
Facilitator.(2022, February). Walking in Beyoğlu Behind Consumption – Burası Exhibition Walking Route. Yapı Kredi Culture & Art Publishing; Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. İstanbul.
Facilitator. (2021, September 21–October 3). Designing the Future: Interdisciplinary Learning Experience. Müze Gazhane. İstanbul.
Facilitator. (2021, June 18–19). Kıyı Köşe Design Workshop. Kadıköy Municipality. İstanbul. With Lokal: Research and Design Workshop.
Program Committee Member. (2021, June 2–4). Insecurity, New Inequalities, and Pathways to Solutions Conference. Istanbul Planning Agency. İstanbul.
Facilitator. (2021, November 13–14). Kızılağaç Village School Re-Functionalization Workshop No.2: Synthesis. AURA Istanbul. İstanbul. With Lokal: Research and Design Workshop.
Facilitator. (2021, September 23–26). Kızılağaç Village School Re-Functionalization Workshop No.1: Design. Vize, Kırklareli. With Lokal: Research and Design Workshop.
Facilitator. (2019, July 9–26). Mekansız Mekân Archive Workshop. Kent Düşleri; Chamber of Architects of Turkey, Istanbul Metropolitan Branch. İstanbul. With Kemal Utku, Mehmet Ali Gasseloğlu, Merve Yıldırım, & Büşra Hamzaoğlu.
Facilitator. (2018, September 1–8). İhlal Workshop. National Architecture Students Meeting (UMÖB18). Mardin. With Mehmet Ali Gasseloğlu.
Facilitator. (2018, July 23–August 3). Everyday Interventionist Actions: Eminönü Workshop. Kent Düşleri; Chamber of Architects of Turkey, Istanbul Metropolitan Branch. With Mehmet Ali Gasseloğlu, Merve Yıldırım, & Bora Can Aksoy.
Facilitator. (2018, April 27–29). Beri-ki Öte Workshop. Bademlik Design Festival; Eskişehir Osmangazi University. Eskişehir. With Merve Yıldırım & Yusuf Bulut.
Facilitator. (2018, April 8–10). Move[n]City II Workshop. Mediated City 4 International Conference. With Ayşegül Akçay, Derya Güleç Özer, Nilay Özlü, Çağda Özbaki, Kemal Utku, Ece Konuk, & Aygün Aşık.
Facilitator.(2017, December 2–3). H-ile Workshop. National Interior Architecture Students Meeting; Özyeğin University. İstanbul. With Sıla Bıcı.
Facilitator.(2017, July 31–August 8). –sız Workshop. National Architecture Students Meeting (UMÖB17). Samsun. With Seçil Mungan & Mehmet Ali Gasseloğlu.
Facilitator.(2017, June 13). Stretching Space: Invisible Borders Workshop. Düzce University. Düzce. With Aygen Erol.
Facilitator. (2017, January 28–February 4). YA-MAMAK Workshop. National Architecture Students Meeting (UMÖB16,5); Mimarlar Derneği 1927. Ankara. With Merve Yıldırım & Yusuf Bulut.
Facilitator. (2016, May 29–June 12). DEPO16 Workshop. National Architecture Students Meeting (UMÖB16). Istanbul. With Sinem Görücü & Feyza Çınar.
Program Committee Member. (2014, December 4–5). Being Between Pedagogy and Practice in Architecture Education Symposium. Istanbul Kemerburgaz University. İstanbul.

exhibitions + competitions + awards

2nd Prize (Turkey); 1st Prize (Marmara Region), TÜBİTAK 2238 Entrepreneurship and Innovation Competition, ItsMee App, 2018.
Exhibitor, Dictionary of Everyday Life Experiences, TÜYAP Art Fair, 2018. With Başka Bir Atölye.
Semi-finalist, ITU Core BIGBANG Entrepreneurship Program, ItsMee App, 2017.
Participant, S.O.S. İstanbul Idea Competition: Üsküdar Square, 2017. With Aygen Erol.
Participant, İller Bankası Neighborhood Design Ideas Competition, 2017. With Buse Çiftçisertbaşı, Emre Seymenoğlu, and Güneş Çavuş.
Jury Special Prize, 3rd Istanbul Design Biennial – Istanbul as a Palimpsest City and Endless Layers of Design, “Heterotopia”, 2016. With Aygen Erol.
Movie Screening Prize, X. Istanbul International Architecture and Urban Film Festival, Projection Cities, 2016. With Kemal Utku.
Exhibitor, Digital Design and Production Methods Experiment, Octahedral, 2016. With Gökhan Uşma, Aslı Say, Kemal Utku, Berivan Danış, and Hanife Akça.
Equivalent Mention Award, Çuhadaroğlu Aluminum Student Competition, Başlangıç, 2015. With Kemal Utku.
Participant, Maltepe Municipality Gülsuyu Cemevi Design Competition, 2015. With Batu Kepekçioğlu, Bora Özkuş, and Aysel Yavuz.
Education Category Award, Social Responsibility Project Competition, 2014. With Aykut Balıkcı and Zuhal Erşen.
Exhibitor, Intuitive, Under-Visible, Studio-X Istanbul, 2014.